In Dnipro region, authorities uncovered outlets selling counterfeit tobacco products worth half a million hryvnias (PHOTOS).

In the Dnipropetrovsk region, in the city of Kamenske, an organized criminal group involved in the sale of counterfeit cigarettes has been dismantled. The damage to the state budget from the activities of this group is estimated to exceed half a million hryvnias – a significant amount that could have been directed towards the social needs of the region. This information was reported by "Vydomo" citing the Dnipropetrovsk regional prosecutor's office.

During meticulously planned searches conducted at retail outlets, approximately 5,000 packs of counterfeit cigarettes bearing the labels of well-known international brands were seized.

The investigation revealed that the criminal group operated in a highly organized manner. A supply chain for counterfeit products was established, which included the purchase of illegal goods, storage in warehouses (the locations of which are still being determined), transportation, and finally, retail sales through controlled outlets. Group members acted in collusion, distributing roles and responsibilities among themselves.

Currently, law enforcement agencies are conducting a comprehensive investigation aimed at fully uncovering the activities of the criminal group. Expert assessments have been appointed to determine the exact quantity of seized counterfeit products, identify the types and amounts of harmful substances in the cigarettes, as well as establish the brand and origin of the tobacco raw materials. Additionally, an analysis of financial transactions is being conducted to ascertain the total volume of illegal income generated by the group members.

Seized assets have been confiscated to prevent any further sale or destruction.

The pre-trial investigation is being conducted under part 2 of article 28 (committing a crime in collusion by a group of individuals), part 1 of article 204 (illegal manufacturing, acquisition, storage, transportation for the purpose of sale, or sale of excise goods), and part 2 of article 199 (legalization (money laundering) of income obtained through criminal means) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Group members face severe penalties, including imprisonment and hefty fines.

It is important to note that counterfeit products not only deprive the state of tax revenues but also pose a serious threat to consumer health – falsified cigarettes often contain hazardous chemicals, the harm of which to the body significantly exceeds that of legally produced cigarettes.

Moreover, counterfeit producers, aiming for maximum savings, often use low-quality tobacco raw materials and toxic additives, which can lead to the development of serious respiratory diseases, cancers, and other severe consequences.

Previously, we reported that counterfeit products worth a million hryvnias were discovered in a market in Dnipro.